It is not in the power of Britain to do this continent justice to be always running three or four thousand miles with a tale or a petition, waiting four or five months for an answer, which when obtained requires five or six more to explain it in will in a few years be looked upon as folly and childishness there was a time when it was proper and there is a proper time for it to cease which of the following best describes the rhetorical appeals being used

The passage does not explicitly use any specific rhetorical appeals such as ethos, pathos, or logos. However, it does employ a persuasive and assertive tone, which could be seen as an appeal to reason (logos) by questioning the practicality and effectiveness of relying on Britain for answers and explanations.

Based on the provided text, the rhetorical appeals being used can be identified as follows:

1. Logos: The appeal to logic or reasoning is present in the argument that it is not practical for Britain to constantly communicate with the continent by running thousands of miles and waiting for months for a response. The argument suggests that this approach is inefficient and will eventually be considered foolish and childish.

2. Pathos: The appeal to emotions is not explicitly evident in the given text. The argument primarily relies on logical reasoning and practicality rather than trying to evoke emotional response.

3. Ethos: The appeal to credibility or authority can be inferred from the mention of "in a few years be looked upon as folly and childishness." The statement implies that the current approach is no longer reasonable or respectable, suggesting a change is necessary.

Overall, the primary appeal being used in the text is logos.